The best gravel rides around Inchmarlo, Brathens And Glassel

There are over 25 gravel bike routes in the Inchmarlo, Brathens, and Glassel area, offering a wide range of experiences for all skill levels.

The region offers diverse terrain, blending paved roads with unpaved paths, forest tracks, and old railway lines like the Deeside Way. You'll find everything from gentle riverside paths along the River Dee to challenging sections with significant elevation gain through forested hills.

Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are 2 easy and 10 moderate routes available. These often follow less strenuous sections of the Deeside Way or quieter forest tracks, providing a good introduction to gravel biking in the region.

Many of the gravel routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the BDLN Coffee House, Banchory – Park Bridge over the River Dee loop from Banchory is a popular circular trail that takes you through the scenic River Dee valley.

The trails offer access to stunning natural features. You can ride along the beautiful River Dee, visit the picturesque Scolty Tower, or explore the ancient forests. The Clachnaben Summit and Granite Tor also offer impressive views.

Yes, the region is known for its beautiful water features. Many routes follow the River Dee, and the nearby Falls of Feugh are a picturesque cascade where you might even spot salmon leaping upstream at certain times of the year. You can also explore areas around the pristine Loch Muick in Glen Muick.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 30 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the stunning views of the River Dee, and the peaceful forest tracks that make for an engaging gravel biking experience.

Absolutely. There are 17 difficult routes in the area, offering significant elevation gain and technical sections. Trails like the Craigmore Wood – Top of Fungle Road Singletrack loop from Potarch and the View of the River Dee – Spider on a Bicycle loop from Banchory are popular choices for those seeking a demanding ride.

Many routes offer fantastic viewpoints. The Hill of Fare Summit Cairn and Meikle Tap are notable highlights that provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding Royal Deeside landscape and towards the Cairngorm Mountains.

The Royal Deeside area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with vibrant foliage and generally milder weather. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially challenging trail conditions.

Yes, sections of the Deeside Way are generally well-surfaced and flatter, making them suitable for families. Look for the easier-rated routes which tend to have less elevation and smoother paths, providing a more relaxed experience for all ages.

Parking is generally available in and around Banchory, as well as at various access points along the Deeside Way and other trailheads. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages on komoot.